Sizing Up Kentucky

September 7, 2004

It's estimated that perhaps 12 percent of the more than 10,000 benchmarks covering the state of Kentucky today are still accurate and in good shape. You've probably seen a benchmark and wondered why it was there. They are part of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), which defines latitude, longitude and height throughout the United States. They are widely used to help determine flood plain boundaries, pollution trajectories, improve aviation safety, help build roads and much more. Most of Kentucky's benchmarks were put down between 1928 and 1968 and were originally used to establish elevations for topographic maps and local engineering. Over time, nature and man have combined to move or wash them away, making it difficult to accurately and cost effectively map, plan and survey. Now the problem is getting some much needed attention as Kentucky's Height Modernization Forum: Reaching For New Heights comes to Somerset's Center for Rural Development, October 25th.

U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers keynotes this important forum being presented by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Geodetic Survey, Morehead State University, the Kentucky Division of Geographic Information and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The goal of the forum is to draw attention to the problem of our decaying network of benchmarks, solicit support for establishing a height modernization program by illustrating the broad range of applications and share success stories from other states.

According to Ross MacKay, Kentucky's Geodetic Advisor, "Most of us are not familiar with geodesy, and don't give topography a second thought until we have a steep hill to climb. Accurate elevations are a fundamental tool in mapping and planning. From floodplain management to precision agriculture, Height Mod will provide us with the numbers we need - better, faster and cheaper. It's a solid investment."

For more information on the forum, see the Kentucky Geodetic Advisor Web site at: http://ngs.ky.gov/

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